Yorkshire's crowded cliffs, Flamborough, East Yorkshire

Walk in a nutshell Starting and ending in the East Yorkshire fishing village of Flamborough, this walk first drops down to the sand and chalk bay of South Landing, then follows cliffs with views out across Bridlington Bay to the lighthouse, rock arch and interesting cliff formations at Flamborough Head. Further along the cliffs you come to the more dramatic inlet at North Landing, before turning back inland to the village with its castle remains and pretty church.

Why it's special The headland at Flamborough extends 10km into the wild North Sea and forms one of the most impressive landscapes of this stretch of coastline. The 120m chalk cliffs to the north are home to one of the largest nesting seabird colonies in England: the shrubs and bushes stunted by the south-westerly winds provide important feeding and nesting areas. The area boasts puffins and a rare colony of gannets; other visitors include oystercatchers, gulls, eider ducks and cormorants. During the autumn migration, every hedge, wood and field seems to heave with birds, and large flocks can be seen coming in off the sea. Freshly caught local crabs are available in Flamborough or from a van parked in North Landing car park.

Keep your eyes peeled for Seals bobbing about on the sea.

But bear in mind Keep away from the crumbly cliff edge.

Recover afterwards A short walk away from the cliffs, the Ship Inn in Flamborough, an 18th-century coaching inn, serves local seafood specialities and a range of cask ales.theshipinnflamborough.co.uk

If it's tipping down Nearby Sewerby Hall, built between 1714 and 1720, has fine Georgian, Regency and Victorian rooms, a magnificent 19th-century conservatory and houses the Museum of East Yorkshire.www.eastriding.gov.uk/sewerby

How to get there

By car Take the A166 from York to Driffield, then the A164 to Bridlington, where it becomes the A165. As you follow the A165 to the north of Bridlington you come to two roundabouts. Go over the first, leaving the A165, and take the first exit of the second to take the B1255 to Flamborough. Car parking is on the street in Flamborough.

By public transport Buses run regularly from Bridlington station to Flamborough.

1. At Beacon Farm, take the footpath and follow it over the rise to the coastal cliffs.

2. When you come to the clifftop path, turn left and walk along it until you reach South Landing.

3. The path drops down a steep path to the sand and chalk bay at South Landing, which is worth exploring if time allows. At the bottom, go directly across to the steps opposite the RNLI station. At the top of the steps, go right to the sea edge and then left to pick up the coastal path. Fairly quickly the path forks at a bench. Take the right fork, keeping on the coastal path.

4. There are several paths heading inland, but keep following the coastal path until you reach the head with its lighthouse.

5. At Flamborough Head, take time to explore, as the cliff formations and rock arch are interesting. Take the path towards the lighthouse and then follow the path that goes in front of the lighthouse's brick wall.

6. Keeping towards the cliff path, the second stage is waymarked "Beacon path" to North Landing. Follow this path to North Landing.

7. North Landing is a steeper inlet, quite different from South Landing geologically. Follow the path up the slip road to the main car park at the end of the B1255. Follow the B1255 inland.

8. The B1255 veers to the right, but this route carries straight on along the quieter roads through the village. Follow the sign into the village centre. Carry straight on at the Rose and Crown.

9. At the Ship Inn, walk straight on and then right around the corner to the main road. Turn left opposite the Seabirds from Dog and Duck Square. Follow the road to the church.

10. Go through the churchyard, out the other side and down Church Lane. This will lead you back to the starting point.